Explain why atomic radius decreases across a period

As you go along a period, there is an increasing number of protons in the nucleus of each atom meaning that the nucleus has an increasing positive charge.This means that the electrons are puller closer to the nucleus, decreasing the atomic radius.The electrons added across a period are added to the outer energy level so do not provide any shielding effect which would otherwise increase the atomic radius.

TD

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does Hydrogen bonding arise in Water?


How do you calculate lattice enthaply?


Calculate the pH of a 0.025 mol dm-​3​ solution of methanoic acid. For HCOOH, Ka = 1.58 x 10-​4​ mol dm-​3


Write a balanced equation for the oxidation of Iron from the 2+ oxidation state to the 3+ oxidation state using the manganate ion.